AR SB694

Appropriates $10,000 to the Department of Education from the General Improvement Fund for grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and outreach programs promoting awareness of these scholarships for fiscal year ending June 30, 2012.

Exempts the appropriation from standard program requirements and allows the Department of Higher Education to adopt new rules and regulations to implement the appropriations.

Permits institutions receiving funds to supplement state appropriations with grants, donations, and federal funds, but prohibits using existing maintenance and operations funds for these purposes.

Requires strict compliance with state purchasing laws, accounting procedures, revenue stabilization laws, and fiscal control regulations in disbursing funds unless specifically exempted by law.

Declares an emergency effective July 1, 2011, citing constitutional restrictions on multi-year appropriations and the necessity for immediate funding to support agency operations.